ISOTOPE ANALYSIS - GARNET

The USGS Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center requires a contractor to perform garnet geochronology on metamorphic rock samples from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This involves Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd isotope analyses using isotope dilution and multi-collector ICPMS to determine the timing of metamorphism and deformation. The results will enhance understanding of bedrock geology in the Upper Midwest, supporting critical mineral resource prospectivity models. The contractor must have experience in these analyses and provide publication-quality digital data, including raw and final corrected data, and standard solution measurements. This is a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified vendors, including small businesses, for a potential one-year contract, with responses due by July 3, 2025.

This government Request for Proposal (RFP) (Solicitation Number 140G0125Q0208) is issued by the USGS OAG Reston Acquisition Branch for specialized geological studies/analysis, specifically Samarium-neodymium (Sm-Nd) and Lutetium-hafnium (Lu-Hf) dating services, including a service fee. The solicitation is unrestricted, with a NAICS code of 541380 and a small business size standard of $19 million. Offers are due by September 8, 2025, at 14:00 MD. The document outlines instructions for offerors, contract clauses, and solicitation provisions, emphasizing compliance with federal regulations such as SAM registration, electronic invoicing via IPP, and various FAR clauses related to commercial items, labor standards, and supply chain security. A Technical Liaison will provide technical direction, but only a warranted Contracting Officer can obligate funds. The contract requires adherence to specified delivery terms (F.O.B. Destination) and outlines procedures for late submissions and contract awards. Key attachments include a Statement of Work and Instructions to Offerors.

This document is an addendum to FAR 52.212-1, providing instructions for submitting offers for a federal government Request for Proposal (RFP). Offers must be submitted electronically to Mindie Dixon at mdixon@usgs.gov by the specified due date and time. The submission requires one electronic copy organized into four tabs: Tab A for the Offer Form (SF 1449) with original signature, contract administration data, UEI, and acknowledgment of amendments; Tab B for pricing, detailing unit prices and total amounts for each line item on the SF 1449; Tab C for completed copies of FAR 52.212-3 and 52.204-24, if not updated in SAM.gov; and Tab D for evaluation factor responses, specifically Factor 1: Technical Capability, which has a three-page limit and requires a clear demonstration of how the government's requirements will be met, with insufficient documentation potentially leading to the quote not being considered.

The USGS Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center is seeking a contractor for garnet geochronology on metamorphic rock samples from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This project, detailed in a Statement of Work, aims to determine Lutetium–hafnium (Lu–Hf) and Samarium–neodymium (Sm–Nd) garnet ages to understand metamorphic and deformational events, refine bedrock geology, and enhance regional tectonic models. The work supports existing USGS research, contributing to prospectivity models for critical mineral resources. The scope involves isotope dilution, acid dissolution of samples, spiking with isotope tracers, and purification via cation exchange chromatography. Isotope compositions will be analyzed using a multi-collector ICPMS, with specific H2SO4 treatment for some garnet aliquots to remove phosphate inclusions. The contractor must have experience in Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd isotope analyses, isotope dilution, garnet geochronology, and multi-collector mass spectrometry, demonstrating consistent measurement of standard solutions. Deliverables include raw and publication-quality data in Excel spreadsheets, along with measured standard solution values.